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Addiction and withdrawal--current views
J K Melichar1, M R Daglish, D J Nutt
1Psychopharmacology Unit, School of Medical Sciences, University of Bristol, UK.
Current Opinion in Pharmacology
|November 20, 2001
Summary
The dopamine hypothesis of reward, a common pathway in addiction, is evolving. The mesocorticolimbic dopaminergic system is key for natural rewards and drug seeking, influencing cross-addiction treatments.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Addiction Research
- Pharmacology
Background:
- The dopamine hypothesis of reward traditionally proposed a final common pathway for addiction.
- Recent research suggests a more nuanced role for this pathway in addiction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the evolving understanding of the dopamine hypothesis of reward in addiction.
- To examine the role of the mesocorticolimbic dopaminergic system in natural rewards and drug-seeking behavior.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent neuroscientific and addiction research.
- Analysis of the mesocorticolimbic dopaminergic system's function in reward and addiction.
Main Results:
- The mesocorticolimbic dopaminergic system is central to natural rewards and initiating drug-seeking behavior.
- Its role in the maintenance phase of addiction may be less significant than previously thought.
Conclusions:
- The understanding of addiction's common pathway is shifting, emphasizing the mesocorticolimbic dopaminergic system's role.
- This evolving perspective impacts the development and application of cross-addiction treatments.